Is India Winning the War Against Rising Non-Communicable Diseases? The latest health statistics paint a concerning picture: diabetes, heart disease, and cancer rates are climbing, impacting millions across the country. From rural healthcare access to the burgeoning urban health crisis, challenges remain significant. This week, we delve into the crucial initiatives underway – government policies, technological advancements in telemedicine, and the rising role of preventative healthcare – that aim to address this national health emergency. Experts weigh in on the effectiveness of current strategies and the critical need for increased public awareness campaigns targeting lifestyle diseases. Are these efforts enough? Explore Abtak.com's in-depth coverage on healthcare in India and discover the vital information you need to protect your well-being and the future of public health. Stay informed; stay healthy.
Kozhikode (Kerala) | The Kerala government on Saturday stood firm in its decision to introduce Zumba dance in state schools as part of its anti-drug campaign, saying the opposition to it is "more venomous than narcotic substance". Explaining the government's stance over the matter here, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said a section of people are deliberately creating issues over the matter and nothing harmful for children is being implemented. "The government is ready to hold talks with those who have misunderstandings in this regard. But, we have not taken any decision to backtrack from the government's present stand," he told reporters here. Sivankutty clarified the government's position on Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it went against moral values. He said there has been opposition from some quarters against the implementation of activities like Zumba, aerobics, and yoga in schools in the state. However, it is important to understand that these activities are being implemented as part of anti-drug awareness. "Such opposition will inject a poison more deadly than drugs in the society. Instead of improving the education sector, it will fuel communalism and sectarianism," Sivankutty said while replying to a question. The school activities only involve light exercises, which children perform in uniforms.
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 27 (PTI) Zumba dance, a high-energy fitness programme introduced in schools in Kerala by the General Education Department as part of its anti-drug campaign, is facing opposition from certain Muslim groups who argue that it goes against moral values. The programme was introduced in schools following a directive from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance -- which combines dance and aerobic movements performed to lively music -- would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young people. From this ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Saturday firmly defended the government's decision to introduce Zumba in schools, amid mounting opposition from several Muslim organisations. Calling the backlash an expression of "majoritarian communal tendencies," Sivankutty reaffirmed that Zumba would continue as a part of physical activity programmes in state-run schools. "When several states protested against the hijab, we took a progressive stand. But now, some organisations are promoting conservative views under the garb of cultural protection," Sivankutty remarked ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, June 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) A day after a section of Muslim clerics raised objections to the Kerala government's decision to introduce Zumba -- a dance-based fitness programme -- in schools, the youth wings of both the CPI(M) and the Congress came out in strong support of the initiative, dismissing the controversy as unwarranted. State Education Minister V. Sivankutty also stood firmly behind the move. The fitness programme was rolled out earlier this month with the start of the new academic year. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, accompanied by family members, attended a la ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Defending the incidents of students washing their teachers' feet during 'Gurupooja' ceremonies, Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Sunday said it is a part of Indian culture and tradition. His statement comes amid strong opposition from the state government over such rituals being conducted in schools managed by Bharatiya Vidya Niketan. "It is our culture to offer flowers at the feet of our guru. Some people have objected to it -- I don't understand from which culture they come," the Governor said while speaking at a Balagokulam event in Balaramapuram, Thiruvan ...Read More >
The Kerala High Court on Friday asked the state government to clarify its stand on a plea filed by a church-run school that is challenging an Education Department order allowing a Muslim girl student to wear a headscarf, or hijab, in class. Justice VG Arun directed the government counsel to come prepared with instructions regarding the claims made in the petition. The matter is now posted for further hearing on October 24. The case involves St Rita's Public School, a CBSE-affiliated minority in ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 8 (SocialNews.XYZ) A sea of 1000 cyclists and fitness enthusiasts created a lively atmosphere at the JLN Stadium here on Sunday morning in the 26th edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle. Organised in collaboration with Indian Railways as special partners, the event saw the presence of Indian actress Madhurima Tuli, wrestler Anirudh Kumar, and mountaineer Narender Kumar, among the special guests. Madhurima, who has starred in the Bollywood movie 'Baby', was formally recognised as a Fit India Icon on the occasion by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. She has been a state- ...Read More >
T'puram/Kozhikode: Education minister V Sivankutty said no one should dictate terms on what should be done in public schools. If anyone has any issues, they should discuss them with the govt. He stated that he would not accept any threat or warning from anyone regarding the Zumba row."There is an elected govt to decide on academic and non-academic matters in govt schools," Sivankutty told reporters in the capital.The govt is ready to have a discussion on the steps taken, but on issues commonly kn ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 6 (ANI): The main event of the 30th edition of 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' took place in Delhi on Sunday. Cyclists began from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, rode around the India Gate C Hexagon, continued to Vijay Chowk along Kartavya Path, and returned to the stadium. Visuals from the event showed cyclists riding along Kartavya Path with India Gate in the background. 'Fit India Sundays' was organised at 6,000 locations across India on July 6 in partnership with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs). The Delhi event was flagged off at 7 AM from Major Dhyan Chand ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Two persons, including a restaurant owner, were caught by anti-drug enforcement wing EAGLE at Kompally on Monday night. The restaurant owner was placed under arrest after a search of his vehicle yielded the possession of cocaine and other narcotic substances. Police said he was both a consumer and supplier, abusing drugs at prominent pubs in the city, and supplying the contraband to fitness enthusiasts, IT professionals and doctors among other high-profile clients.EAGLE officials said that Surya Annamaneni, a BTech-MBA graduate, was sourcing the drug from several peddlers, both Indi ...Read More >
Hyderabad police recently busted a drug party in Madhapur, involving Tollywood choreographer Kanha Mahanthi and architect Priyanka Reddy. The raid at an OYO property led to the seizure of MDMA and other narcotics. Kanha, known for his work on the dance reality show Dhee, attended the party hosted by Priyanka, with drugs allegedly sourced from Bangalore. Other attendees included architect Shaki and stock trader Gangadhar. The authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the extent of the drug network. This incident highlights ongoing concerns over drug abuse in the Telugu film industry ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 6 (PTI) The Kerala Government's decision to change Bakrid holiday triggered a political row in the state on Friday with the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) accusing it of attempting to implement "communal agenda and fascism" in the state. Originally Friday (June 6) was marked as holiday for Bakrid. However, following the reports that the festival would be celebrated on Saturday across the state, on Thursday, the Kerala government announced that Saturday, June 7, will be a public holiday for Bakrid. As per the change, government also declared that June 6 (Friday) wou ...Read More >
Srinagar- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said foreign countries were told clearly during the post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach that in case of a fresh provocation, India would repeat its action. Speaking at a discussion at the Ahmedabad Management Association, Tharoor said Indian delegations which visited foreign countries in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor managed to convey that India acted with restraint and responsibility. "In other places, we actually were able to get some very high-placed people to say not only that they respected and supported India's right of self- ...Read More >
Kolkata, July 5 (SocialNews.XYZ) The West Bengal unit of BJP, under the leadership of its new State party President Samik Bhattacharya is making all efforts to ensure a political rally in the state, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing it, before Trinamool Congress's annual Martyrs' day rally in Kolkata on July 21. An insider from the state committee of BJP said that the week before July 21, the Prime Minister is scheduled to go for an election campaign in Bihar where the Assembly polls are scheduled later this year. "We are trying hard so that the Prime Minister can spare some time ...Read More >
Patna, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a major action against corruption, the State Vigilance Unit (SVU) on Saturday arrested Sub-Inspector Putul Kumari, the SHO of the Women's Police Station in Samastipur, for accepting a bribe of Rs 20,000. Her driver was also arrested in the case. The arrest has created a stir within the police department. According to an official, Putul Kumari was caught red-handed while taking the bribe from Rajiv Ranjan, a resident of Chhatauna village under Mufassil police station limits, in connection with an assault case. Rajiv Ranjan had filed a written complaint with ...Read More >
Mumbai, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actor Harshvardhan Rane, who was last seen in 'The Miranda Brothers', is heaping praise on the recently released film 'Saiyaara', and its team. On Saturday, the actor took to the Stories section of his Instagram, and penned a special note for the film and its makers after it witnessed a stellar opening day. He wrote, "Another melodious example of a love story shattering all myths and formulas of the industry. Honest heart wrenching love story wins again in 2025! #Saiyaara". 'Saiyaara', which stars Aneet Padda, and marks the debut of Ahaan Panday, is helmed b ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], August 28 (ANI): Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput have added another feather to their professional lives, as they collaborate for a new venture. As partners in both life and work, the star couple look forward to balancing their personal bond with a shared vision. Mira Rajput heaped praise on her husband, hailing his passion and disciplined approach toward life. "Shahid's passion for dance and his discipline toward work and fitness have resonated with this project," Mira told ANI. An entrepreneur herself, Mira and Shahid have partnered with the luxury lifestyl ...Read More >
Kochi (AsiaNews) - The controversy began after St. Rita's Public School in Palluruthy, run by the Latin Catholic Church, refused to allow a student to wear the hijab. In the days that followed, referring to Muslim organisations, an editorial in the Catholic daily Deepika said: 'Those who asked for prayer rooms in Christian schools have now come forward to claim the right to wear the hijab.' This has led to harsh criticism, a sign of the interreligious tension that the affair is causing in Kerala. The student at the centre of the hijab controversy in Kerala has finally decided to leave school. ...Read More >
Kozhikode (Kerala): The Kerala government on Saturday stood firm in its decision to introduce Zumba dance in state schools as part of its anti-drug campaign, saying the opposition to it is "more venomous than narcotic substance". Explaining the government's stance over the matter here, General Education Minister V Sivankutty said a section of people are deliberately creating issues over the matter and nothing harmful for children is being implemented. Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty's Statement "The government is ready to hold talks with those who have misunderstandings in th ...Read More >
Imphal, June 29 (UNI) A series of successful operations carried out by Manipur Police and security forces during the last 24 hours led to the arrest of several individuals involved in vehicle theft, insurgent activity, and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition. Police arrested a vehicle lifter identified as Syed Riyaj from his residence at Lilong Chaobok in Thoubal District. The arrest was made under Lilong Police Station. Authorities seized a blue two wheeler without registration number, along with a key and an Aadhaar card believed to be linked to the suspect. In a s ...Read More >
Srinagar: The Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU) -- an umbrella body representing all schools of thought among Muslims, both Sunni and Shia -- has once again expressed grave concern over 'inflammatory' statements made by Peoples Conference leader Imran Reza Ansari. The MMU's latest statement builds on its earlier appeal for unity and responsible conduct among Muslims, where it had refrained from directly naming individuals, in the hope that certain figures would reflect on their conduct and seek reform. "However, contrary to such expectations, Imran Reza Ansari has now openly uttered derogatory a ...Read More >
New Delhi, Aug 3 (SocialNews.XYZ) Continuing its mission to build a healthier, pollution-free India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in partnership with India Post, organised a special edition of 'Fit India Sundays on Cycle' across 6000 locations nationwide. Started by Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in December 2024, the cycling initiative has been organised across more than 41,000 locations till now with an overall participation of 7.5 lakh-plus individuals. The 34th edition paid tribute to the postmen of India, the country's original cyclists, who for decades have connected ...Read More >
New Delhi: The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki has announced the rollout of its first made-in-India electric vehicle - the e-Vitara SUV - in a major boost to the green segment from its upgraded Gujarat plant, which is now set to become one of the world's largest automotive manufacturing hubs with a projected annual capacity of one million units. Crucially, this facility will serve as Suzuki's global production base for electric vehicles (EVs), exporting to over 100 countries, including advanced markets in Japan and Europe, which is aligned with India's vision of becoming a global aut ...Read More >
Senior Congress leader KC Venugopal has alleged that not only the PM SHRI scheme but every new incident in Kerala is part of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-Communist Party of India (Marxist) secret understanding. Speaking at a press conference here, Venugopal accused the left government of cooperating with the BJP on multiple fronts while pretending to oppose it publicly. Venugopal clarified that the Congress was not implementing the PM SHRI scheme. "It's wrong to say Congress is implementing P ...Read More >
At Modern Public School, Shalimar Bagh, on Monday, a teacher played the role of a vegetable seller, complete with props, while students acted as buyers. "How much is this vegetable for?" asked the teacher, setting off lively exchanges -- all over a laptop screen. Advertisement https://images.indianexpress.com/2020/08/1x1.png This roleplay session, part of an online lesson about markets and vegetables, is one of many such creative strategies teachers are adopting as schools across Delhi shift to remote learning due to hazardous air pollution levels. The air quality in Delhi plummeted to "se ...Read More >
Silchar: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday visited the flood-ravaged districts of Hailakandi and Sribhumi in the Barak Valley. He assured affected residents of providing timely disbursement of rehabilitation grants and swift repair of damaged infrastructure.This marks Sarma's second visit to the flood-hit region within four days, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Speaking to the media in Sribhumi after inspecting multiple relief camps, the CM said, "Flood-related problems may persist till July. I will return before Durga Puja to ensure that roads and infrastructure ar ...Read More >
Gandhinagar, July 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) The 31st edition of Fit India Sundays on Cycle was held successfully nationwide this Sunday morning as Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya led a group of over 500 participants here. Organised this week in partnership with Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), the pan-India cycling drive witnessed participation from over 7000 locations across the country, reinforcing the message of "Fitness Ki Dose, Aadha Ghanta Roz". The participation included 3000 Namo Fit India Cycling clubs. "Fit India 'Sundays on Cycle' has now become a powerfu ...Read More >
Kohima, July 14 (SocialNews.XYZ) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio described his state as "a land of breathtaking beauty and profound cultural richness" while addressing the closing ceremony of 'Bharat Utsav 2025' at Manezhnaya Square in Moscow. The Chief Minister stated that the festival's grand success has brought India and Russia closer, showcasing the "magic of Indian culture, music, dance, yoga, and cuisine". The event featured special highlights from Nagaland and Gujarat, with vibrant cultural performances and exhibitions. Highlighting the enduring and strategic partnership between ...Read More >
Bareilly (UP), Jul 17 (PTI) A teacher from Bahedi district, who went viral recently after reciting a poem mentioning Kanwar Yatra, approached the police on Thursday stating a threat to his life from anti-social elements. A case has been registered at Bahedi police station based on a complaint from Dr Rajneesh Kumar Gangwar, a teacher at MGM Inter College in the district. According to Circle Officer Arun Kumar Singh, Gangwar's complaint says that ever since his recitation of the poem 'Tum Kanwad Lene Mat Jana, Gyaan Ka Deepak Jalaana' (You don't go get Kavad, light the lamp of knowledge inste ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 3 (ANI): In a major crackdown on narcotics smuggling, officers of the Airport Commissionerate, Mumbai Customs Zone-III, have seized 14.738 kgs of suspected NDPS hydroponic weed (marijuana) valued at approximately Rs 14.73 crore during operations on Sunday. The seizures were made across Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMI), resulting in the arrest of one passenger, as stated in the press release. The passenger was arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Based on specific intel, ...Read More >